Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - Oxbow Eco-Center Announces November Events

The Oxbow Eco-Center, St. Lucie County's environmental learning center, has several environmental events scheduled for November, including the return of its monthly lecture series and weekly guided hikes.  
  •  ''Swamp Tales'' continues Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This free storytime is appropriate for ages 2 - 6.
  • The Oxbow's Wake-Up Lecture Series returns Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m. with Dr. Harold Wanless with the University of Miami, who will present ''Comes the Seas: Florida's Changing Coastal Future.'' Bring a coffee mug and enjoy some delicious bird-friendly coffee. Dr. Wanless is the professor and chair of the department of geological sciences at the University of Miami and has been studying climate change and monitoring sea levels in South Florida for more than two decades.
  •  Learn interesting facts about some of the Oxbow's environmental ambassadors at ''Critter Chat'' on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.
  • The Oxbow's ''Nature for Families'' presents ''Animal Tracks'' on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Depending on the time of day, seeing animals while you hike can be really hard. But that's okay, because animals leave behind clues. Learn the secret art of tracking animals and looking for their clues. Appropriate for all ages. The cost is $3 per person. Admission is non-refundable and seats are limited. Please RSVP.
  • The Oxbow staff offers a scenic guided kayak tour along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. - noon. Paddlers will launch from White City Park and cruise down the river to the Oxbow property, possibly passing turtles, wading birds and even alligators. The cost is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required.
  • Weekly guided hikes at the Oxbow returns each Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7 and running until the end of May.
  • The Oxbow Eco-Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving. However, the trails will remain open.

In addition to the various scheduled events, the Oxbow's trails are open every day from dawn until dusk, while the education center is open Tuesday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Situated on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, the Oxbow offers a rare glimpse of "the real Florida" with nature trails, boardwalks, observation towers and an interactive environmental learning center.

The Oxbow is located at 5400 N.E. St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at (772) 785-5833 or visit www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow.